Cadillac Instructed To Build Full-Size RWD Flagship

Cadillac fans will be thrilled to hear that Ed Whitacre himself has instructed the brand to build a true, full-size flagship above both the CTS and the upcoming XTS. The car has not been clearly defined yet. The Zeta platform (Holden Commodore, Chevrolet Camaro, etc.) is heavy and dated, and therefore the flagship is more likely be built on a stretched version of the CTS’s Sigma platform. On the other side of the brand’s spectrum, the BMW 3-series–fighting ATS, based on a shortened Sigma platform called Alpha, is almost certain to come. If its styling is innovative and daring enough, it could become a real alternative to the well-established competition.

Have an iPhone or Android? Then you can be connected with everything automotive in your area. Download the Cars Connected app for your iPhone or Androiddevice today! Or you can check out Cadillac Magazine...

Re: Cadillac Instructed To Build Full-Size RWD Flagship

Originally Posted by hueterm

No V8 = FAIL --- and not just another small block variant -- N*2!

N* is dead, and they're not going to develop a whole new line of V8s for one car -- though I could see them developing a Cadillac-only version of the smallblock, maybe with a turbo or something. Either way, learn to love that smallblock, because it's going to be GM's only V8 from here on out.

Re: Cadillac Instructed To Build Full-Size RWD Flagship

Originally Posted by hueterm

No V8 = FAIL --- and not just another small block variant -- N*2!

What's wrong with a 500 horsepower (at the block) twin turbo 3.0 V6 like BMW has? Okay, maybe 500 horsepower is overdoing it because people haven't been driving them for very long but the lightly modded 400+ horsepower TTs have been driving around for years without any issues.

Have an iPhone or Android? Then you can be connected with everything automotive in your area. Download the Cars Connected app for your iPhone or Androiddevice today! Or you can check out Cadillac Magazine...

RWD Flagship in the works!

Cadillac fans will be thrilled to hear that Ed Whitacre himself has instructed the brand to build a true, full-size flagship above both the CTS and the upcoming XTS. The car has not been clearly defined yet. The Zeta platform (Holden Commodore, Chevrolet Camaro, etc.) is heavy and dated, and therefore the flagship is more likely be built on a stretched version of the CTS’s Sigma platform. On the other side of the brand’s spectrum, the BMW 3-series–fighting ATS, based on a shortened Sigma platform called Alpha, is almost certain to come. If its styling is innovative and daring enough, it could become a real alternative to the well-established competition.

Buick gets a compact SUV based on the small Gamma platform (Chevrolet Aveo, etc.), and there could be a Chevrolet version of this SUV as well. The four-cylinder Buick Regal GS will likely get up to 300 hp. And while the current Corvette will receive a well-deserved interior redo in 2012, GM is getting close to defining the next generation of the sports car. The internal competition between three different proposals is drawing to a close. Even now, the Corvette is gaining a lot of respect in Europe; if GM managed to create a sustainable infrastructure to sell and service its American cars, it might actually sell a few of them in the Old World.

Re: RWD Flagship in the works!

Originally Posted by 77CDV

I'll believe when I see.

Same here. It pains me to say this, but GM has completely forgotten its roots in the big sedan segment, that is what made it so great back in the 50's/60's, the big, bold, stylish sedans. People still want to buy that, its a segment that will never go out of style unless you build medicroe, boring crap like they have for the past 15 years or so.

Re: RWD Flagship in the works!

This is great news!! May we finally see the return of the almighty Fleetwood Brougham????? Let's hope to god it's V8, RWD and Body on Frame!! Atleast V8 and RWD, as I don't think that the S Class/ 7 Series or anything else in that segment is body on frame anymore....

I can put up with it being unibody, as long as it's got a big V8 under it's hood and pushes with the rear wheels...

I'm being cautiously optimistic. I hope it turns out (well) but seeing as how sketchy GM has been as of recent, I don't wanna get my hopes up too much. But seeing as how GM CEO Ed Whitacre is putting out the order, I don't see how it could get mucked up...

Originally Posted by Night Wolf

Didn't GM learn from this in the 80's?

I'd hope so. I don't know why Buick would build a small SUV off an AVEO platform?!?!?!! That sounds ridiculous and NOT in the good way.

Re: Cadillac Instructed To Build Full-Size RWD Flagship

Originally Posted by Lord Cadillac

What's wrong with a 500 horsepower (at the block) twin turbo 3.0 V6 like BMW has? Okay, maybe 500 horsepower is overdoing it because people haven't been driving them for very long but the lightly modded 400+ horsepower TTs have been driving around for years without any issues.

Nothing in a CTS, or gasp...XTS...but do they or M-B put something similar in a 7 or S?